We are all affected by aging, yes, sorry to break it to you! But your cat, although old, still certainly has many good years ahead. And to continue taking care of him, it may sometimes be necessary to adapt his comfort and routine.
Here are our tips to bring him eternal youth (well, almost).
At what age is my cat considered old?
Aging affects all organs of course, but they do not all age at the same pace, and this varies from cat to cat.
For example, some become a bit deaf, others experience declining eyesight, and just like humans, some will have whiter fur! So yes, indeed, a 16-year-old cat is considered old. However, he can still be in good health and remain "young" in his mind.
We need to consider two aspects regarding aging: senescence and senility.
- Senescence corresponds to the physiological changes associated with getting older. Basically: the body functions less efficiently.
- While senility refers to certain functions that will deteriorate or disappear over time. The few studies on this topic suggest that the boundary between senescence and senility in our cats is around 12 years (between 10 and 14 years for 95% of the feline population).
How to take care of my elderly cat?
Provide more comfort
You can start by making sure his food and water bowls are easily accessible. If you notice he has trouble finding a comfortable position to eat, you can raise his bowl or invest in an elevated feeding dish.
Some cats tend to stiffen with age. To help your kitty continue to cuddle in your arms on the couch, don’t hesitate to place a small stair-like structure. This way, he can more easily reach his favorite spot!
Keep stimulating him
Of course, your cat is no longer the lively and agile kitten he used to be, and even if he naps longer, you should still stimulate him physically and mentally. Elderly cats generally continue to enjoy play sessions. You can play with him by recreating hunting scenes, for example, with a fishing rod toy or a feather wand.
For game ideas, feel free to check out our article: which games to choose for my cat.
Take care of his coat
As your cat ages, his fur may become duller. He will also have more difficulty grooming properly, especially if he suffers from osteoarthritis. To make things easier for him, don’t hesitate to help by brushing him daily.
Watch his weight
Pay close attention to his weight. Weigh your cat regularly to anticipate any sudden weight changes.
If you notice sudden weight gain or unexplained weight loss, don’t delay consulting your veterinarian. The goal is to help your cat maintain an optimal weight to keep him healthy as long as possible.
Warm his food a little
If you feed him pâté, it is a good idea to warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave, in an appropriate dish. This will enhance the smell and make it more appetizing for your cat, whose sense of smell may gradually decline.
Should I change his diet?
If your cat is currently in good health, and the latest veterinary check-ups confirm this, there is no need to change his diet. However, it is important to give him quality cat food .
The quality of his food can be evaluated based on its digestibility. Of course, you probably won't weigh your cat's stools. But as a guideline, the amount of stool produced should be about 50g for every 100g of dry food or 500g of pâté consumed.
Quality food should have a sufficient protein level to meet your cat’s nutritional needs, especially if he is older. And if possible, with low phosphorus content. Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice; he will guide you.
Some adjustments may be necessary depending on the cat. For example, some may need more fiber if they have slow digestion or are overweight. Regarding this, you can read our article about the benefits of zucchini for our cats.
If your cat has dental problems, wet food is even more recommended. Finally, we advise you to divide meals and continue to favor mostly wet food. For example, you can give four small meals: one when you get up in the morning, a second before leaving for work, a third when you come home in the evening, and a final one before going to bed.
For more information, feel free to check out our dedicated article on senior cat food.
We love our cats at any age. So we give them all the attention and care they deserve. We make sure to give them healthy food to keep them in good health throughout their lives.
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